VT4 Pal - Recommended Sys for live switching?

[JakeW]

I've been pointed towards a globe caster for this, but We're a very open-minded (and cheap!) sort of company...

We need a switcher for a small digital Tv channel. Just a 5, live 10 min segments per day will be produced.

I need help with the specs (trying to get any help from a dealer in the UK is imposable)

The Job:

- Most of the graphics will be keyed on downstream of the Switcher, within our automation system (the Excellent airbox/Titlebox combo) Some basic Still's and supers required in studio.

- Inserts are 5M/b encoded MPEG2 Video
- No editing on VT
- Fast, accurate switching required
- Some live keying, but no virtual set.

Any thoughts on the stability of VT4 live switching? Switch delay?
What sort of system is advised? We would rater put the money into PC power than drive speed, if it's not required...no editing and only 2 MPEG2 ddr's at a time.

Most equipment dealers in the UK are very negative to the VT, pushing traditional or Globecaster solutions. As live switching is an area that Newtek seam to be focusing on, rather than just competing with avid/ fcp etc I thought I would at least take a look at the VT...plus this forum appears the most active, helpfull and honest of any in the industry.

[Jim Capillo]

Globecrasher? Nah.... you don't want one of those overpriced artifacts. You can build 3 VT powerhouses for what they want for one of those boat anchors. JMHO, of course ! :D

You should be able to accomplish everything you want to do and more without breaking a sweat with the VT. My VT is very stable...... always has been. Much more than I can say for my Trinity box.

You probably want to talk to one of the fine Newtek dealers that hang out here...... Jef from Pizazz is the resident expert on all things VT live, but you can get honest info from any of them.

[JakeW]

I thought you might say that :)

If it a VT4 works for us, we may build a second facility (with the money we save!) around one for another service.... I'm not sure if you have these in the states, but in europe 'gameshow' style interactive channels are big business at the moment (simple studio host + graphic overlay game, played via premium rate phone call or sms text) many of these simple channels are run out of far to big studios or on globecasters or even low grade prosumer switchers. Seems an ideal market for an integrated tool...

We're one of the few broadcasters prepared to take a serious look at a VT, yet cant find anyone to demo one!

Any further answers to the original questions very welcome.

[ewan@2ci]

Have to agree with you on the dealer side of things in the uk.

When you do get in touch with them they are great though.

We have had our system for two weeks, and we actually bought the dealers demo unit which he had just built as we needed it quickly :)

Where are you based in the UK, we are in Brighton, if you want to have a look at a system give us a shout.


ewan

[JakeW]

Tried to PM, but crashed out....

How stable you finding it? You using it much for live?

The reason i ask, is I see many satified and credible users users on here in the US, but very few PAL users

We're in the Westcountry, but our MD is often closer to you...sure he'd love to pop in....

I'm sure newtek would do roaring business in the UK with a stronger push...particually with an almost 2:1 exchange rate!

[ewan@2ci]

stable as a rock, providing the content is ok, crashed it a few times with some suspect mpeg clips.

Not really used it in anger live yet, but thats what we bought it for, it will be doing Glastonbury this year thats for sure :)

Im in the middle of my first "real" project with it, bearing in mind i have only had a few days hands on with it, ive cut a two week production for a dvd down to a few hours. The live side of things is even more impressive.

Best money we have spent since the first mpeg 4 channel cards :)

Id speak to the guys at freehand if you are looking to buy in the uk, went to visit them, and they are great production house, and took the time out to spend some time with us.

[kleima]

Since all VTs are multi-standard, you would have the same thing as everyone here in the States. I don't see why it should work any different or worse because you are using PAL.
I use PAL a little once in a while. It will play back PAL and NTSC in realtime from the timeline, converting on the fly.
I have never had any problem with a PAL clip.

[Terry Rhodes]

HI Jake,
If you have a bit of spare cash, come on down to South Africa, Joburg. We will show you PAL Live operations, kicking lots of bootie down here. Our guys cannot believe it. We have a church with 3 VT3's and 3+ TB of SATA Storage. They do 4 live shows a week via Satellite and do a continious program output during the week using one of the VT's as a server. They set up DDR cues and let 'er rip. No problems yet with VT's. Had some power supply problems and a few SATA's that did not want to coop. but we swapped them out and they are humming. They are very happy. We just did a special Live switch to an "Extreme Fighting" show at one of our Casinos locally and it worked like a charm. Did it on a new P4 3.06 with one of the new Intel motherboards with 800 FSB. Used new VT4 Card and VT4 software in PAL. Worked fine and we were doing instant replays, commercials music breaks VIA Casino's IMAG screens at the Live fight and sending a signal out to Hard drive for later editing and re broadcast on TV . Our experience with VT in PAL has been great. Had a few problems with some of the older VT cards and the new VT4 upgrades, but I understand VT4-SP1 will fix that. Let us know if you need any info and you are welcome as long as you donot support the England Cricket team that is in town to hit a few rounders. :D .

TRhodes

[mbloor]

Jake
I have several VT systems and am in Ringwood, (New Forest) which is probably a lot closer to you (as you say you are west country).
I have built several units for friends colleagues etc and have good relations with some of the UK agents they have my permission to give out my phone number/e-mail to help people that have specific problems.
If you want to contact me feel free.
Have been using VT since VT1 and was the first Guy in the UK to get the SX8, so have a few years under my belt
Mark